Handling: hand and hoist-line implements – Contact lens applicator
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-18
2001-12-11
Cherry, Johnny D. (Department: 3652)
Handling: hand and hoist-line implements
Contact lens applicator
C206S553000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328360
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of culinary implements, and more particularly to a novel set of chopsticks which incorporate an interchangeable handle and which provides for a variety of stick cross-sections suitable for grasping a variety of Asian foods. A kit is also included for transporting disassembled chopsticks in a sanitary manner so that the chopsticks and case can be sanitized and are personalized and ready for reuse.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
In the past, it has been the conventional practice to grasp a variety of Asian foods by the use of elongated chopsticks. The chopsticks are used in pairs and manipulated by the fingers of one hand to grasp the food and to carry the food from a dish to the mouth of the consumer. Each stick of the pair is elongated and is of a one-piece unitary construction, having a thickness at one end and a reduced thickness at the opposite end. The thickened end is held usually between the thumb and index finger of the user while the thinner elongated portion of the stick outwardly extends from the hand. In some Asian restaurants, a pair of chopsticks is provided at each place setting for the consumer to use. After the meal, the chopsticks are generally cleansed for reuse or in some instances, the chopsticks are destroyed or otherwise disposed of. Problems and difficulties have been encountered with such conventional practice in that sometimes the chopsticks are not thoroughly sanitized so that a danger resides in reuse. In other instances, the consumer may wish to use his own personalized chopsticks and to carry these sticks to a restaurant where he intends to order food. However, maintaining the sticks sanitary is difficult and because of the overall length of the sticks, carrying the sticks in a shirt pocket or coat pocket is not always convenient.
Therefore, a long-standing need has existed to provide a pair of chopsticks wherein each stick can be disassembled into separate parts and wherein the individual parts of the sticks can be carried in a case or kit for transport from one place to another in a sanitary fashion. Also, it is of great convenience to provide different shapes or sizes of chopsticks so that Particular Asian food can be grasped conveniently and in accordance with certain national customs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the above problems and difficulties are avoided by the present invention which provides a novel set of chopsticks wherein each stick includes an interchangeably handle which is detachably connected to a food-engaging portion. The handle portion is provided with a deep recess at one end in order to insertably receive a stub outwardly projecting from one end of the eating portion of the stick. The opposite end includes a tapered portion which terminates in a rounded end that is intended to cooperate with the tapered and rounded end of the other stick in order to grasp and hold particles of food. Preferably, the stub and the recess include corresponding configurations so that the stub may be readily indexed with the recess and an interference type fit ensues for retaining the holder to the length of stick. In an alternate form, the stub may be threaded or have a keyway which is matable with the recess in the end of the holder.
The invention further contemplates two sets of chopsticks with interchangeable holders and wherein each set is different in that the thickness or cross-section of each pair of sticks is different in order to accommodate gripping or grasping of a variety of food products. A carrying case is also contemplated which includes a recessed insert so that the various portions and parts of the pair of chopsticks can be placed into recessed areas having the shape of the chopstick portion intended to be stored therein. The case is to be heat resistant and cleanable. A sanitizing substance may be carried in the insert material so that the chopstick utensils are ready for use upon removal from the case and assembly or installation of the holders on the eating portion of the stick.
Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a novel pair of chopsticks which includes an interchangeable handle and which may readily be included in a set of chopsticks and carried in a suitable carrying case for sanitary purposes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel set of chopsticks which will permit the user's choice of assembly in order to grasp or grip different types or styles of food products.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel set of chopsticks which includes a detachable handle portion and which includes an interference type of fit with one end of an elongated eating or grip portion.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a chopstick kit having a hygienic, cleanable and sanitary case for temporarily storing several sets of chopsticks such that the chopsticks are personalized and are intended to be used only by one person.
A further object is to provide a carrying case for eating utensils that is heat resistant, sanitary and cleanable as well as convenient to use, reusable and portable.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4940143 (1990-07-01), Stanfield
patent: 5431465 (1995-07-01), Shibata
patent: 5727677 (1998-03-01), Peviani
patent: 2060303 (1993-07-01), None
patent: 2698772 (1994-06-01), None
patent: 161673 (1989-01-01), None
patent: 5908 (1990-02-01), None
patent: 215712 (1992-08-01), None
patent: 90845 (1994-04-01), None
patent: 121727 (1994-05-01), None
Cherry Johnny D.
Marrs Roger A.
LandOfFree
Chopstick set does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Chopstick set, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Chopstick set will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2572572